Christmas Past

Ah, St. Mary's at Christmas. Another fine chapter for the Society. I won't give away the story, just know that it's another wonderful Christmas story, one that warms the heart as well as the soul. I've been a fan of St. Mary's since the first novel was published. By this time, many Stories have been told in novel fashion, many have been short. And there's the author's tradition of adding in a Christmas story each year This one is no different. We go on an adventure, a true Christmas tale of hope and charity. And the result is unexpected in one respect, but totally expected in others. It's a rousing good story and continues the tale of St. Mary's in a charming and fashionable way. Read it. You'll be glad you did.

Okay I was all set to not like this book but as usual Jodi Taylor’s words and descriptions made the difference. This was all about one jump back in time to where new born Matthew was left when he was stolen by Rowan. Fortunately, Leon was able to retrieve him but Matthew was older and had trouble adjusting to the present world. Anyway, this story is all about one Christmas Eve when Matthew asks Max to take him back to see his ‘brothers’ and to give them some Christmas gifts. Max knows that she is not supposed to make unauthorized jumps and not to jump alone but she decides that the reward of Matthew spending time with her alone might make him accept her as his mother, and this would be worth the risk. So....they go back. It is a sweet story with lots of Maxwell’s usual foot in mouth and all that but it has a happy ending. For $1.99 you can’t miss not reading it.

This is a very challenging St. Mary's tale, involving as it does the efforts to heal and restore the innocent character of the protagonists' recovered kidnapped child. Having read the series out of order and incompletely, I give kudos for Taylor's impressive rendering of Dickens's London and its inhabitants. However, the scene in which -not really a SPOILER- Max plays all three Christmas spirits in the face of feral poverty was seriously problematic for me. I understand it was crucial to the outcome of the story, but my suspension of disbelief was too sorely tried. Otherwise, a warm, touching, and appropriately poignant Christmas rendering.

Well, that sad and awful and sweet and heartwarming all at the same time. As soon as I read this story was going to be about Matthew going back and helping his friends, I knew I was gonna have a hard time with it. Matthew's story just breaks my heart. What Matthew and Max did for those boys was so sweet, and I loved this little story. It's my favorite of all the shorts thus far. Was it a little cheesy with it's 'Christmas Carol-esq' happy ending? Sure. Did I care? Not at all. Loved this one. Now it's on to book 9.

It's always difficult to wait for the next novel in the excellent Chronicles of St. Mary's series by Jodi Taylor. However, these seasonal short stories help ease the pain of waiting. Christmas Past, in particular, is an outstanding addition to the series. If you are already an avid reader of the series, you absolutely won't want to miss this one. If you aren't already a fan, forgive me, but don't start with this story. It provides crucial developments in the latest story arc and will be a spoiler for what has happened before. For maximum enjoyment, go to the first book in the series, "Just One Damned Thing After Another", and start there. I can't recommend this entire series highly enough!

Matthew, son of Max and Leon, was rescued from child slavery in the slums of London by Leon. But he is mostly terrified of his mother Max. So Max plans a special Christmas jump to help the boys with whom Matthew was held captive. Something simple with minimal consequences. But even tiny changes can be huge for folks living in extreme poverty. And Matthew learns that his mother can be amazing. A very good jump indeed.

Though this review won't get posted until after the holiday itself, this story was easily one of my favorite Christmas presents this year. Taylor blows me away with her ability to weave humor and heartbreak into the same passages. Though this story didn't have quite as much of the usual St. Mary's shenanigans, it was an important story to tell for the Farrell family and left me quite satisfied than as if there had been explosions and other ridiculousness. But seriously, Taylor has got to stop teasing me with the Jack the Ripper references and explain what he/it was already...

This was a sweet tale about friendship and kindness in the face of cruelty, timely for Christmas Eve. Historian Max and her son Matthew travel back to 1812 to bring some much-needed food and blankets to his 2 friends he left behind when he reunited with his mom in the present. Then we get to see how their acts changed history.

"No – you’re not seeing double. Unless you’ve been at the eggnog again. And why not? The author has." This was such a charming, feel-good novella that was well-written, funny, and downright enjoyable. What happened to Matthew is so tragic, that it was nice to see some redemption. And he is finally coming to terms with how awesome Max is - but of course, we all know that :) Where will Max illegally time hop to next Christmas? I hope Ms. Taylor provides us with that story :)

THE FEELS! I've always been so heartbroken over what happened to Matthew as an infant and how terribly it affected their little family. Too bad I was at work Ms. Jodi Taylor or you would have heard me yelling and cheering and screaming like it was a soccer match! This little story packs a lot of punch and totally worth the read! <3

Ah, St. Mary's at Christmas. Another fine chapter for the Society. I won't give away the story, just know that it's another wonderful Christmas story, one that warms the heart as well as the soul. I've been a fan of St. Mary's since the first novel was published. By this time, many Stories have been told in novel fashion, many have been short. And there's the author's tradition of adding in a Christmas story each year This one is no different. We go on an adventure, a true Christmas tale of hope and charity. And the result is unexpected in one respect, but totally expected in others. It's a rousing good story and continues the tale of St. Mary's in a charming and fashionable way. Read it. You'll be glad you did.

Okay I was all set to not like this book but as usual Jodi Taylor’s words and descriptions made the difference. This was all about one jump back in time to where new born Matthew was left when he was stolen by Rowan. Fortunately, Leon was able to retrieve him but Matthew was older and had trouble adjusting to the present world. Anyway, this story is all about one Christmas Eve when Matthew asks Max to take him back to see his ‘brothers’ and to give them some Christmas gifts. Max knows that she is not supposed to make unauthorized jumps and not to jump alone but she decides that the reward of Matthew spending time with her alone might make him accept her as his mother, and this would be worth the risk. So....they go back. It is a sweet story with lots of Maxwell’s usual foot in mouth and all that but it has a happy ending. For $1.99 you can’t miss not reading it.

This is a very challenging St. Mary's tale, involving as it does the efforts to heal and restore the innocent character of the protagonists' recovered kidnapped child. Having read the series out of order and incompletely, I give kudos for Taylor's impressive rendering of Dickens's London and its inhabitants. However, the scene in which -not really a SPOILER- Max plays all three Christmas spirits in the face of feral poverty was seriously problematic for me. I understand it was crucial to the outcome of the story, but my suspension of disbelief was too sorely tried. Otherwise, a warm, touching, and appropriately poignant Christmas rendering.

Well, that sad and awful and sweet and heartwarming all at the same time. As soon as I read this story was going to be about Matthew going back and helping his friends, I knew I was gonna have a hard time with it. Matthew's story just breaks my heart. What Matthew and Max did for those boys was so sweet, and I loved this little story. It's my favorite of all the shorts thus far. Was it a little cheesy with it's 'Christmas Carol-esq' happy ending? Sure. Did I care? Not at all. Loved this one. Now it's on to book 9.

It's always difficult to wait for the next novel in the excellent Chronicles of St. Mary's series by Jodi Taylor. However, these seasonal short stories help ease the pain of waiting. Christmas Past, in particular, is an outstanding addition to the series. If you are already an avid reader of the series, you absolutely won't want to miss this one. If you aren't already a fan, forgive me, but don't start with this story. It provides crucial developments in the latest story arc and will be a spoiler for what has happened before. For maximum enjoyment, go to the first book in the series, "Just One Damned Thing After Another", and start there. I can't recommend this entire series highly enough!

Matthew, son of Max and Leon, was rescued from child slavery in the slums of London by Leon. But he is mostly terrified of his mother Max. So Max plans a special Christmas jump to help the boys with whom Matthew was held captive. Something simple with minimal consequences. But even tiny changes can be huge for folks living in extreme poverty. And Matthew learns that his mother can be amazing. A very good jump indeed.

Though this review won't get posted until after the holiday itself, this story was easily one of my favorite Christmas presents this year. Taylor blows me away with her ability to weave humor and heartbreak into the same passages. Though this story didn't have quite as much of the usual St. Mary's shenanigans, it was an important story to tell for the Farrell family and left me quite satisfied than as if there had been explosions and other ridiculousness. But seriously, Taylor has got to stop teasing me with the Jack the Ripper references and explain what he/it was already...

This was a sweet tale about friendship and kindness in the face of cruelty, timely for Christmas Eve. Historian Max and her son Matthew travel back to 1812 to bring some much-needed food and blankets to his 2 friends he left behind when he reunited with his mom in the present. Then we get to see how their acts changed history.

"No – you’re not seeing double. Unless you’ve been at the eggnog again. And why not? The author has." This was such a charming, feel-good novella that was well-written, funny, and downright enjoyable. What happened to Matthew is so tragic, that it was nice to see some redemption. And he is finally coming to terms with how awesome Max is - but of course, we all know that :) Where will Max illegally time hop to next Christmas? I hope Ms. Taylor provides us with that story :)

THE FEELS! I've always been so heartbroken over what happened to Matthew as an infant and how terribly it affected their little family. Too bad I was at work Ms. Jodi Taylor or you would have heard me yelling and cheering and screaming like it was a soccer match! This little story packs a lot of punch and totally worth the read! <3

Title says it all. I love these books, every single one. The short stories are just as good, just as funny as the long Chronicles books. I hope Jodi Taylor writes another one soon, I've ready them all and I'm anxious for another!

I love the characters - particularly Max. Partly for the humor and partly for the attitude. This one had plenty of both. The author has a gift for including the “feels” stripped of sweetness, so they go right through you. Lovely writing. I just finished a review copy of Argumentation of Historians. It was fantastic. I could not put it down! Already looking forward to the next, which I guess will be a short story.

Every Christmas, fans of Taylor's eagerly await their most anticipated holiday present - a new St. Mary's novella. This latest episode in the lives of the historians doesn't disappoint. Featuring Max and her reticent son sneaking away for a few hours, the story, as usual, serves up chuckles and the wondrous feeling of losing yourself in another time. Also, as usual, readers are advised to keep tissues handy. Taylor doesn't so much wax sentimental as let it sneak up behind you and smack you upside the head at the last minute. Which, with the Disaster Magnets at St. Mary's, is exactly as it should be.

I so truly enjoy the stories and mayhem at st Mary's that I probably forgive some things. Having said that - this is not a stand alone story. There is a reason its got .5 in it. If you feel you can understand the true depth and breadth of the characters on this you are wrong. The magic of St Marys is that you develop a kinship with the people over time and their quirks become as ingrained in their essence as your aunts and uncles quirks during thanksgiving dinner. Enjoy this chocolate chip in the cookie that is the St Marys series

The best part of the St. Mary's stories is the love and respect the characters have for one another. That Max and Matthew have finally found some common ground makes me giddy. 😁 What a beautiful holiday gift from Ms. Taylor.

Its history wrapped up with fiction and a great cast of characters. Look online for a list that tells you what order to read the series. It makes more sense.

Max and her son do not have the best relationship, but being kidnapped and given to 19th century chimney sweeps as slave labor can give a boy issues. This lovely story gives insight into why Matthew does not care for women. It of course has lots of St. Mary madness and ends on a particularly Christmasy note that made me grin ear to ear.

A lovely interpolation into the Chronicles of St. Mary"s. As always, mixing humour, history, and pathos in equal measure. Enjoy.

I love these books. Jodi Taylor never disappoints. I laugh, I can't put it down. Jodi can't write 'em fast enough for me.

Again Max make’s her fabled Christmas Eve bootleg travel back in time. But this time she takes her young son Matthew with her to see his friends of his other life and give them a little Christmas present unlike they had ever had before. A truly great short story

An adorable and heartwarming Christmas story. Some parts are very sad, poor Matthew, but the ending was so sweet.

This short story is told in the tradition of Scrooge, but with even a better surprise at the end. Truly a great read.

Max takes her son to visit his friends, who lived in abject poverty, and bring them a Christmas cheer. Of course they had to go back a several hundred years to do so.

I love this dries and was happy to have a follow-up on the lost child; I like the sense of family at St. Mary's and Max's positive determinism. I recommend Jodi Taylor to friends who like quirky and are not limited in their imagination.

While I love the entire series, sometimes I think that the Christmas stories are the most fun. She manages to pack a whole lot of St Mary's into a few shimmering pages. Christmas Past was extremely satisfying. Make sure you read the series in order. Do not start here. (You have been warned.)

Another St Mary’s story that’s touching and sad and affirming without being sentimental. As always in Taylor’s writing, it’s witty and beautifully written.

This was short, sweet, and right on point. Sorry, must have something in my eye... Me, crying? Of course not...

READ THESE BOOKS! Begin at the beginning, go on till you come to the end, then stop. And spend the time before the next book with the rest of us fans, whining and nagging Jodi to write faster.

Max and her young son return to England of the past to help the young chimney sweep left behind when her son was rescued and brought back to the present. A very sweet story for the Christmas season.

A really good read. Interesting storyline. Engaging characters, good pace and well written. No explicit or gratuitous sex or violence. Looking forward to future books.

Again, Jodi Taylor delights us with a tidbit of time travel. A quick sneaky trip to the past is just what we need to get Maxim trouble, again . I'm trying to be patient for her next book. I'm totally addicted.

I love this story, but then I love all of the Saint Mary's series. I will say, though, that this one has perhaps more warmth than most. I can only hope for more from Ms. Taylor, whether short stories like this or (even better) full-length novels.

They really want to get nasty about this demanding 20 words irregardless and I am only doing this forJodi. If they absolutely demand 20 words then they will get 20 words, but I refuse to be bullied for something l am volunteering to do in the first place. That's it - no more rating or reviewing.

I love Jodi Taylor's Christmas Shorts for the St. Mary's gang and this one was just a great as the rest and have you a great peak at the gang and their usual antics before were graced with another novel about their exploits.

Loved this story! A wonderful addition to the St. mary’s group of short stories.

If you're a friend of Saint Mary's and have suffered with Max, give yourself a Christmas present, and read this. NOW! Merry Christmas! And, God Bless us, everyone.

I found book eight pretty depressing and avoided reading it for quite a while. I strongly suggest reading this right after you finish book eight. This Christmas story is a nice sequel.

As always, a treat!

Writing one more, original Christmas story in an Elizabethan setting is, if not impossible, at least a tall order. And yet Jodi Taylor has done it, weaving her usual magic into a heartwarming St Mary’s instant Dickensian classic. Thank you, Jodi, and a Merry Christmas to you, too.

Too bad we can’t dive into St. Mary’s every evening before bed. Guess it would put the sleep aids out of business! Brilliant and fun read as always.

Another wonderful story told with feeling and mischief! Please consider reading all of these stories by Jodi Taylor; you won't be disappointed.

I liked the entire story! I even PAID for the book and a couple others in the series. I'll do it again, when/if she writes more in the series.

fun, informative and insightful--what more can you ask for!

I love this series! It brings out just about every emotion possible. It's a joy to see how little Matthew is coming along in Max's crazy world.

Great Christmas story. As always a good laugh and leaving you wanting more. In the spirit of the holidays and true to form.

My rating reflects more on me than on the book. This is the first of the St. Mary's books that I've read, so I came into this with no introduction to the characters or knowledge about their backstory. This story presupposes that knowledge, although it makes a fair effort to explain some of the high points of this "story universe." So, we get an idea about the "pods" that do the time traveling and some of the features of St. Mary's. We get an introduction to Max, her husband, Leon, and their son, Matthew, who we learn was stolen and abandoned in Dickensian London. On the other hand, there were a lot of inside jokes about characters who were obviously trotted out in order to fulfill fan expectations. I did not know who these people were or what their interactions were supposed to mean, so that part went over my head. The story is rather simple. Young Matthew wants to visit the squalid Dickensian home where his adopted brothers are kept to give them a bit of Christmas cheer. One thing leads to another and there is a bit of an adventure. It is a fine story, but slight, and I'm sure that I would have enjoyed it more with background. My recommendation - which I intend to follow - is to begin at the beginning.

Another awesome story from Jodi Taylor.

Another excellent installment to the Saint Mary's saga. She never disappoints! Character decision Matthew and a sweet ending. She is always on my list of favorite authors.

Another crazy romp through time with Max but this time with a heartwarming twist. I'd write more but it ended too soon so I'm off to read it again!

it and hope it's an annual tradition. It keeps saying 13 more words required. Max would be annoyed and say things I can't write here.

Best short story yet, and the best Christmas present I could ask for. Thank you Jodi, you are awesome! Yay!

It has become a tradition with Jodi to write these Christmas shorts, and they are great fun. This is an endearing story of Max breaking through and connecting with her son. The world turns white, but no disasters happen.

Best Christmas short yet. I laughed. I cried. It moved me. And. Now I must type nine words to finish .

And the saga continues. Great side story. Jodi Taylor is an outstanding author. Absolutely love the Saint Mary's stories. Excellent!

I devour these when Ms. Taylor releases anything new from St. Mary's. The characters are familiar and the situations always an adventure. I have recommended this series to many, many people.

Another funny, awesome, amazing adventure. Keep them coming Mrs. Talor. I am looking forward to the next book in May. Thank you.

I love all the St Mary's books, the humor is the best part for me. Keep them coming and often.

A fun. Story for Christmas. Not as funny as some but a good story that tied that part of Mathews life. Looking forward to the next one.

Always a pleasure to spend a little time at St. Mary's. I can't wait for your next book. Please do hurry!

I was I t was longer. I miss St. Mary's, Max and all the gang. I read this in one sitting.

Short, but perfect! I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes, but I'll let you judge. Max and Matthew, look out world!

What a fantastic story. Not quite as many laughs, but plenty of fun and feeling this time around at Christmastime.

Love the series.

Awesome, totally awesome. O did I say it was really the perfect Christmas story! After all of the heart ache and tears of the past few books, finally one that comes for heart with joy. I recommend this book to everyone.

The crew from St. Mary's does it again. Highly enjoyable.

Loved the storyline. Heart warming.

It's nearly Christmas....What could possibly go wrong? With this crew, almost anything!

I love how JT’s prose perfectly balances the line between sentimental and absurd. It’s A great series on all levels!

Love Jodi Taylor's st. Mary's series.

Another fun St. Mary’s story. Max gets to bond with Matthew.

Love her books!

Great read!

It was another wonderful book in the series!

Another lovely Christmas tale from St Mary's. Leon and Matthew are home from the future for Christmas. Young Matthew opens up to his mother about feeling bad for his friends who had so little while he has so much. So the annual illegal jump is to go and give them some basic gifts. Things are a little different as Markham and Petersen are side characters to this year's fiasco. Really lovely message about consumerism and fun time with Max and her son. Loved the ending.

Max takes Matthew back to early Victorian England to help the two little boys who were chimney sweeps alongside him. Oh Jodi, you pulled on my heartstrings with this novella. I can't say more without spoiling the story, just let me say that it was a lovely story and reflected what we all hope Christmas will be like. Sigh, when is the next one?

Another little gem apt for the season and the series.

I like everything Jodi Taylor has written. This one was short, yet well developed. The characters were defined and consistent with other stories. I was very pleased that the son was given enough action, behaviors, and conversation to become a well-rounded character, even in such a short story. The story included enough background that a new reader wouldn't suffer too much from knowledge gaps, but I would still not recommend this as a first story for a new Jodi Taylor reader. It's a feel good story for the holidays.

Another wonderful story full of well developed characters. Picking up these books is like visiting old friends These short stories are not to be missed.

Max takes Matthew back to Victorian London for a true Dickensian Christmas.

A good short story, but a little too sentimental perhaps – 4 Stars Christmas Eve at St Mary’s is a time for over-indulgence, high-jinks, and usually an unauthorised ‘jump’ across the timeline. In this sweet short story, Max takes Matthew back in time to deliver some Christmas goodies to two young boys living in the grim backstreets of London. Unless you’re familiar with some of the St Mary’s stories, this one may be a little confusing. Basically, what seems like days of separation for Max, seems like years for her son, Matthew. During the time of their separation, Matthew spent his young life growing-up in the slums of London. Following his rescue, Mathew is brought by his father, Leon, to St Marys to spend a family Christmas. But when Matthew pleads with Max to take him back in time so he can give his friends some much needed food and blankets, Max sees the opportunity to re-bond with her son. Another well-written story by Jody Taylor, and one that sits well if you enjoy tales of seasonal goodwill. However, it was a little too sentimental for my taste, and I have to say I missed the usual dose of high-jinks and hilarious timeline encounters found in many of the other books.

At last, the wait is over and the annual St Mary's Christmas romp has arrived and it was well worth the wait. Max, Leon and Matthew are finally going to spend their first Christmas together. It has been particularly rough for them. Matthew kidnapped by Ronan and left in Victorian slums was finally rescued by his father. For Matthew years have passed whilst for Max it was only days. Instead of a baby she found herself with a small, untrusting boy who bore little resemblance to the baby that she loved and adored. . However, it is Christmas, and what would Christmas at St Mary's be without a secret and illicit trip into the past as Max tries to regain her son's trust and love. This has to be the best of all the short stories....though I suspect that I say this every year...It is certainly the most atmospheric as Jodi brings to life what life the characters and places described in her writings. A lovely edition to the series and if you don't have a little cry at the end I can only assume that you have no soul.

A bit trite, yes; a bit smaltzy, yes; yet another unrealistic 180 degree turn in the Max/Matthew relationship - this one slightly more realistic it must be said. All in all though, an enjoyable short story and a long awaited return to form after the last 2 full-length books. Here's hoping Matthew features less or the author learns how to write mother-child relationships realistically and then we'll be back to book 1 level perfection!

Not so much a fanboy rant about the brevity of this book - it is a short story after all - but the whole thing feels underdone, like an idea sketched out but not explored in any depth. And there was plenty of scope for such expansion too....overall an opportunity missed.

Just too short! I loved it and particularIy Max channelling Nemesis. But I do feel somehow that something was lacking and the story should have had another strand to it. I re-read and decided to up my score because it was such a powerful and moving story. Yes it was Dicekensian - actually pre Dickensian - but the conditions were realties for many. And the character of Ma Scrope was brilliantly done. The happy ever after ending for the Scrope family was a bit harder to believe but it was Christmas and there has to be some ho-ho-ho somewhere.

Absolutely loved it, as I do all Jodi Taylor's books, but I was hoping for a bit more about Leonl However reading more about Matthew was wonderfu. What a marvellus writer Jodi is, makes me cry and then smile happily in the space of just a couple of minutes. I can hardly wait for the next full length story I do hope Jodi has a wonderful Christmas, she has made it so wonderful for so many of us :)

The only downside with a short story is, surprise surprise, that it is a short story! I would have loved more as I have been waiting for Christmas since , well last year! This story albeit a short one, gives us hope for a loving bond between mother and son after such a wait. And reminds us what the spirit of Christmas is all about. I wondered if Charles Dickens was hovering around with his ear to the ground... but I don't do poetry....Thank you Jodi for another cracker!

I read this short story just after Christmas and have to admit I was near to tears at the end. Max dealt with the situation perfectly, despite her angry - and scary - outburst. I will not say anymore as I would not want to spoil this story for anyone. But it's another stonking story from Ms Taylor which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Lovely Christmas present. The usual illegal Christmas jump which, sadly, doesn't include Peterson and Markham, but does include Matthew, and - nothing goes wrong! I know, right? With a lovely, happy ending. This was really good - I do love Jodi Taylor's stories and this doesn't disappoint.

Max takes Matthew back to early Victorian England to help the two little boys who were chimney sweeps alongside him. Oh Jodi, you pulled on my heartstrings with this novella. I can't say more without spoiling the story, just let me say that it was a lovely story and reflected what we all hope Christmas will be like. Sigh, when is the next one?

There are many Christmas traditions...trees, family, huge meal. But this is mine, a new short story downloaded at midnight to read on the day. Sod Santa, Jodi is much better and she keeps on giving throughout the year. In regards to this book and story, just wonderful and gave a warm feeling inside that had nothing to do with the cup of tea and chocolate fingers i just devoured X

Lovely wee story which allows Matthew a chance to revisit the life he left behind in Victorian London, and Max the opportunity to deal with the hideous Ma Scrope. A satisfying finale gives a nice Xmas present.

St Mary's are loose again, causing havoc and still managing to survive. This time though there is a bit more in the way of retribution towards certain people and as in all good stories it sort of happens! Jodi Taylor is unsurpassed at this type of story, and short or long, I don't usually wait too long to catch up with them.

this has just made it to.my favorite st Mary's short i loved it. after the last installment of the full lenth book. this was a wonderful story and my heart sang for max at the end. wonderful just wonderful

I totally love Jodie’s books, this is no different, I mean laugh out loud, ‘he’s about as much use as tits on a bull. Very British humour, wonderful characters. If you haven’t read the other St Mary’s books and love humour excitement and a lot of madness you will love them.

As a devoted Jod Taylor / St Mary’s Chronicles fan, this didn’t disappoint - another brief instalment of the clever plot, humour, and heart-tugging sadness that makes up the amazing world of St Mary’s. As always, this short story is far too short - never want it to end! 😊

Yet another great St Mary's tale. Not so many funny moments but rather more poignant and revealing instead. A book that I raced through...like all the St Mary's stories.

Lovely short story, nice to have something work out for Mad and a bit of history on Matthew, well enjoyed.

I have long been a devotee of Jodie Taylor and, without hesitation, will always recommend her books. Jodie has an exceptional talent for this genre of writing and her research is faultless .. I eagerly await the next instalment.

I never like the short stories quite as much as the full length books until now. This was lacking nothing and full of Christmas cheer. Perfect

Jodi Taylor is one of my favourite authors, and this is right up there with her other annual short stories. Thank you, Jodi Taylor. And a happy Christmas to you and yours (well, it's Boxing Day now, but happy that, too)

As always, an excellent read. Apart from one of Jodi’s short stories, I’ve loved everything she’s written

I've missed these. Having found the series relatively late on, I devoured all of them in a short time. Now I have to wait like the rest of you for my St Mary's fix. Once again Jodi has provided a great short story for the Christmas period which is a welcome addition to my library.

A lovely Christmas story. Can't wait for the next adventures at St Mary's! I have read every book in the series. Love the combination of very British humour, sadness and pathos. I have even learnt about ancient historical events. If you love Wartime spirit ,the idea of time travel and history these books are for you.

Another nice little aside from Jodi Taylor following the entertaining and funny exploits of the time travelling... sorry, the Institute of Historical Research.

Just about made a 5 - but I would have liked more interaction between Max / Leon / Peterson and Markham as, for me, that's what makes St Marys special - the gang of misfits causing mayhem. Looking forward to reading more of them in the next book.

Jodi Taylor is a wonderful observer of people and her dialogues are always believable, which draws me deeper into any of her stories. This one is rather lighter than usual but is thoroughly enjoyable and getting a closer look at Matthew is a bonus.

As always, fun entertaining and well written. I would like a lot more of this. Miss Taylor tells wonderful stories that are believable and humane. I wish I could time jump as her protagonist does! Life would be very entertaining , if hazardous. Thank you again . Chris Eedy .

Talk about tugging at one's heart strings, a Christmas story with a group of Tiny Tims. Another worthy addition to the stable of great reads produced by Ms. Taylor.

Another excellent instalment in this on-going series. I love the humour and the pathos in these stories. The next full-length book is greatly anticipated in the Algonquin household.

A wonderful Christmas read, full of hope and pleasure. Well done Jodie Taylor for yet another fantastic St Mary,s book, can't wait until the next one in this series

atmospheric, yes you be glad you can't smell the atmosphere evoched a a good strong storyline kept to . I enjoyed it emencly.

great series, superb characters, if you haven't read any of the series, take a chance, they are great. You don't know what you are missing if you don't

Jodi Taylor has done her usual excellent job.

Max takes another illegal Christmas Day time jump, this time to her son's past. They provide Christmas for some waifs and get a stellar but unexpected outcome.

Honestly cannot get enough of St Mary's! Each character is incredibly brought to life and each short story is able to emerse you into the world of St Mary's just as much as the novels can! Jodi Taylor is truly gifted with creation and talent! My favourite series ever!

A wonderful and heart warming short story from St Marys. Another Christmas gem, and if I'm not very much mistaken with a hint of A Christmas Carol...

I love all the Chronicless of St.Marys. This is just a short story but very enjoyable and I would recommend this to all Jodi Taylor Readers,

This series just keeps getting better and better, do yourself a favour and if you have never read any of the chronicles of St. Mary's start now and keep going until you reach the end.

Short but sweet; always lovely to visit St Mary's. Especially at Christmas ! Although I probably should've stayed up until 2 am to read it...

The children had their stockings and I had an email from Amazon to tell me that Christmas Past had arrived. I had high hopes of the next book in my favourite series and it didn't disappoint. Read it.

Jodi never fails to impress. Another superb book with our favourite characters, and a brilliant ending. More please Jodi, looking forward to the next full size episode of St. Mary's. Can't come too soon...

Loved this trilogy of stories

Lovely story. The chronicles of st Mary's are just brilliant. The sense of humour in the stories is so good.im just waiting for some one at Netflix or amazon prime or BBC to read them and make them into a TV series, mind that would only work if they stuck 100% to the original stories

For St Mary's this was a gentle jump for once with no disaster at the end apart from Mrs Scrop who only got what she deserved.

Another great short story about Max and Friends! Thank you Jodi Taylor!

A lovely short story. Really really hope there will be a new book in the sequence in 2018. Pretty please!

It's Christmas, and I know this because I've just read the st Mary's Xmas special. Aww, laughs and giggles, must go back and read the whole series again.

Wish it had been longer but got my St Mary's fix. Can't wait for the next one and hope we have more of Matthew.

usual brilliance

very enjoyable

Another short story from Max. A very appropriate short story for the season - and with a very satisfying ending!

I truly love the St Mary Chronicles, and this short has been joy to read. Full of Christmas Dickins feeling, moment of sadness but family joy. Happy Christmas

Another gem from the master, perfect Christmas Day reading or any other day for that matter. Thoroughly enjoyed it and looking forward to the next installment. A+++++

My heart breaks for Max but here in Christmas Past it all just felt right. Can't wait for next one!

Just has to be read ... the depths of emotion rendered in a short book by Ms Taylor are astonishing

Another lovely Christmas story from Ms Taylor. Joy and happiness all around. Looking forward to more Max and co soon

As always a great book by this brilliant and funny author

Absolutely worth the wait. Love the book and the author. Can’t wait for next one

Brilliant... what a Mum will do for her son....

Lovely story

Enjoyable. Well up to the high standard we have come to expect from this author. A Christmas treat to me!

What a brilliant story for Christmas, I loved catching up with Max , Leon and Matthew again can't wait for the next instalment

Jodi Taylor's usual brilliant stories, book just not long enough.

YESSSSS! This is satisfyingly totally Taylor, and pure Max. I can hardly wait for the next volume. More soon, please!

Fun short story

Just discovered Jodi and can't get enough of her stories, long or short! The problem is getting them in the right order. She is brilliant!

Up to standard as ever, gives a peek of next book.

I love this book and me smile made me cry. Only one complaint. Too short. Waiting eagerly for my next fix.

Great short story. Max as a protective mother was awsome.

The perfect Christmas Short Story - Loved it

Brilliant!

The traditional St Mary’s Christmas tale never disappoints.

I have read all of jodi Taylor's books about st Mary's and I love them ,lots of laugh out loud moments times to cry just brilliant looking forward to more .

Good read as usual

Another look at the engaging characters in these stories. Always highly readable.

Another jolly Crimble short from the St Mary's mob. Always a pleasure to read how normal rules never seem to apply to some people at their cost usually but not at Christmas.

I loved the way Max was accepting the possibility of being an Aunt and not a mother, I love the way her mothering instincts kicked in and gave Matthew what he needed

always amazing more please!

Good read

A lovely story for the season with a dashing of humour and family feel.

Once again Jodi Taylor has come through with a brilliant story. More please and looking forward to the next book.

Funny and original

As always Jodi combines love & laughter perfectly in a St Mary's kind of way :)

very entertaining

Merry Christmas St Marys 😊

Jodi Taylor again at her best

I love all the St mary's books and short stories. I can highly recommend them all.

I always enjoy the St Mary's books. This one develops the relationship between Max and her son in a very satisfactory manner.

Fine

Excellent as ever!

A lovely bit of Christmas past and present . Exciting resolution to Matthew's past, and with a happy ending for all concerned!

Excellent. For those who read Jodie's St Marys series, this is a must - and for those who dont please start.